Author
Henry James
1843-1916
Henry James (1843-1916) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Henry James
The Turn of the Screw
"The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James is a gothic horror novella published in 1898. A young governess arrives at a remote country estate to care for two children, only to become convinced that supernatural forces haunt the grounds. As she witnesses mysterious figures and grows increasingly alarmed by the children's behavior, the line between reality and imagination blurs. This unsettling tale has captivated readers for over a century with its deliberate ambiguity, leaving the true nature of the horror chillingly uncertain.
The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1
"The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1" by Henry James is a novel first published in 1880-81. It follows Isabel Archer, a spirited young American woman who inherits a fortune and travels to Europe seeking independence. There she encounters marriage proposals, complex expatriates, and ultimately makes a choice that leads to entrapment rather than freedom. The novel explores themes of personal liberty, responsibility, and betrayal as Isabel discovers that wealth and marriage have drawn her into a web of manipulation and unhappiness.
Daisy Miller: A Study
"Daisy Miller: A Study" by Henry James is a novella published in 1878. It follows the beautiful American Daisy Miller as she captivates Frederick Winterbourne, a sophisticated expatriate, during their encounters in Switzerland and Italy. Her free-spirited flirtatiousness clashes with rigid European social conventions, scandalizing the American expatriate community. As Daisy grows closer to a questionable Italian suitor, Winterbourne struggles between his attraction to her and society's disapproval. The story explores cultural prejudices and asks whether Daisy's unconventional behavior reflects innocent American spontaneity or something more troubling.
The Beast in the Jungle
"The Beast in the Jungle" by Henry James is a novella published in 1903. It tells the story of John Marcher, a man obsessed with the belief that his life is destined for some catastrophic, spectacular event lurking in his future like a beast. His fixation prevents him from truly living or accepting the love of May Bartram, who patiently accompanies him through the years. This psychological parable explores loneliness, fate, and the tragic consequences of waiting for life instead of embracing it.
The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 2
"The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 2" by Henry James is a novel first published in 1880-81. This second volume continues the story of spirited Isabel Archer, whose newfound inheritance and European adventures lead her into a disastrous marriage with the egotistical Gilbert Osmond. As Isabel discovers dark secrets about her husband's relationship with Madame Merle and confronts the manipulations that shaped her fate, she must wrestle with questions of freedom, duty, and whether to escape her gilded cage or honor her commitments.
Italian Hours
"Italian Hours" by Henry James is a collection of travel essays published in 1909. Gathering observations from nearly forty years of visiting Italy, James explores Venice, Rome, Florence, and lesser-known cities with deep affection and keen insight. He celebrates Italian beauty, art, and life while acknowledging material hardships faced by its people. The extensively revised essays reveal James as both passionate admirer and thoughtful observer, capturing what he calls "the luxury of loving Italy" through vivid sketches of neighborhoods, landscapes, and cultural treasures.
The Letters of Henry James (Vol. I)
"The Letters of Henry James (Vol. I)" by Henry James is a collection of correspondence written in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This volume serves as an insightful exploration of James's life through his letters to family, friends, and notable contemporaries, providing readers with a glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of one of America's foremost literary figures. The letters highlight James’s complex relationship with Europe, his artistic endeavors, and his reflections on both personal and artistic matters. The opening of the book introduces the context of the letters, starting with Henry James's early years as he arrives in Europe for the first time in 1869. The text elaborates on his initial impressions of London, where he grapples with feelings of both awe and isolation in the vast metropolis. His correspondence reveals his engagements with prominent literary figures of the time, such as Ruskin and W. D. Howells, showcasing his social interactions and artistic observations. Through these letters, readers can perceive James's evolving identity as both an American expatriate and a burgeoning writer, immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of Europe while grappling with his own sense of belonging.
The American
"The American" by Henry James is a novel published in 1877. Christopher Newman, a wealthy American businessman, travels to Europe seeking culture and a refined wife. He falls for Claire de Cintré, a young widow from an aristocratic Parisian family. But Newman's honest American spirit collides with Old World class prejudices and dark family secrets. As romance blooms and complications mount, he must navigate the treacherous divide between New World optimism and European sophistication in this tale of international manners and mismatched worlds.
The Letters of Henry James (Vol. II)
"The Letters of Henry James (Vol. II)" by Henry James is a collection of correspondence written in the early 20th century. This volume spans the years 1904 to 1909 and serves as a window into James's thoughts and experiences during a significant period in his life, particularly highlighting his return to America after many years abroad. The letters reflect his observations on American culture, his friendships, and his reflections on literature and art. At the start of this volume, Henry James shares insights into his much-anticipated visit to America in 1904. He describes his overwhelming experiences as he reconnects with his homeland and the myriad emotions that arise in revisiting places from his youth. He expresses a longing to absorb the essence of the America that has evolved during his absence, feeling both nostalgia and curiosity. His reflections reveal a blend of personal and literary ambitions, as he yearns to translate these sensations into prose, though he grapples with the challenge of capturing the rapid changes around him. The letters set a tone of introspection mingled with a sense of adventure, providing a rich context for readers interested in the life and thoughts of one of literature's great figures.
The Golden Bowl — Complete
"The Golden Bowl — Complete" by Henry James is a novel published in 1904. Set in England, it explores the tangled relationships between a wealthy American father and daughter and their respective spouses—who share a secret past. When Maggie Verver begins to suspect an affair between her husband, Prince Amerigo, and her father's wife, Charlotte, she launches a delicate campaign to protect her family. James's final masterpiece features his characteristic dense prose and intense psychological insight into marriage, adultery, and betrayal.
The Ambassadors
"The Ambassadors" by Henry James is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work delves into themes of personal transformation and the search for meaning against the backdrop of Europe, particularly Paris, as seen through the eyes of its protagonist, Lambert Strether. He embarks on a journey that challenges his perceptions and ultimately forces him to confront his past and the choices he has made. The opening of "The Ambassadors" introduces us to Lambert Strether as he arrives in Chester, England, to reconnect with his friend Waymarsh. Initially relieved at having a moment of solitude, Strether reflects on the personal freedom he feels in Europe, contrasting it with his previous life in Woollett, Massachusetts. His encounter with Maria Gostrey—a woman he recognizes from a previous meeting—creates a dynamic where he feels both drawn to and apprehensive about the social interactions that await him. The narrative hints at Strether's complexity, revealing that he grapples with deeper emotions and a sense of detachment as he begins to navigate this new social landscape, all while reflecting on the nature of life and missed opportunities.
Washington Square
"Washington Square" by Henry James is a novel written in 1880 about a plain, shy young woman caught between her wealthy father's disapproval and a charming suitor's romantic attention. When Catherine Sloper falls for the handsome Morris Townsend, her skeptical father suspects the man only wants her inheritance. What follows is a painful battle of wills that will test Catherine's loyalty, challenge her innocence, and ultimately force her to confront harsh truths about love, family, and betrayal in 1840s New York society.
The Aspern Papers
"The Aspern Papers" by Henry James is a novella published in 1888. A nameless narrator travels to Venice with a singular obsession: to obtain the private letters of Jeffrey Aspern, a deceased American poet. His target is Juliana Bordereau, the poet's aged former lover, who guards these precious documents. To gain access, the narrator poses as a lodger and considers courting Juliana's plain niece, Miss Tita. James crafts a suspenseful tale about the ethical boundaries of biographical pursuit, where desire for literary treasure collides with human dignity and privacy.
Roderick Hudson
"Roderick Hudson" by Henry James is a novel published in 1875. Wealthy Boston art patron Rowland Mallet discovers a talented young sculptor and sponsors his artistic education in Rome. But Rowland's generous act becomes complicated when he falls in love with the sculptor's fiancée. As Roderick's talent flourishes, he becomes entangled with Christina Light, a beautiful woman pursued by European nobility. Rowland must navigate his own suppressed desires while watching his protégé's life spiral toward crisis in Italy's artistic circles.
The Jolly Corner
"The Jolly Corner" by Henry James is a short story published in 1908. Spencer Brydon returns to New York after thirty-three years abroad to manage his inherited properties, including his childhood home. As he reconnects with old friend Alice Staverton, he begins wondering who he might have become had he stayed in America. Prowling his empty boyhood house at night, Brydon seeks to encounter the ghost of his unlived life—his American alter ego—leading to a harrowing confrontation that challenges his very sense of self.
English Hours
"English Hours" by Henry James is a collection of travel essays published in 1905. Drawing from more than thirty years of writing about England, James chronicles his experiences in his adopted country, from London's "greasy" streets to the pastoral countryside of Devon, Warwickshire, and Suffolk. With knowing affection, he captures both the "dreadful, delightful" British capital and the quiet charms of rural towns like Rye, offering readers an intimate portrait of Victorian and Edwardian England through American eyes.
The Real Thing and Other Tales
"The Real Thing and Other Tales" by Henry James is a collection published in 1893. The title story follows an unnamed illustrator who hires a down-on-their-luck aristocratic couple, the Monarchs, as models. Though they embody the perfect genteel type, they prove rigid and inflexible for his work. Meanwhile, two working-class subjects—an Italian man and an Englishwoman—prove far more adaptable. When a fellow artist warns that the Monarchs are damaging his art, the illustrator faces a difficult choice between authenticity and artistic success.
The Figure in the Carpet
"The Figure in the Carpet" by Henry James is a short story first published in 1896. An unnamed narrator becomes obsessed with uncovering a hidden meaning in his favorite author's works—a secret pattern the writer claims all critics have missed. As the narrator and his friends pursue this elusive literary mystery, their quest leads to unexpected revelations and tantalizing dead ends. The story explores the nature of artistic intention and the limits of critical interpretation, leaving readers to wonder whether the secret truly exists.
The Tragic Muse
"The Tragic Muse" by Henry James is a novel published in 1890. Nick Dormer abandons his promising political career to pursue painting, while Miriam Rooth struggles to become a great actress. Their artistic ambitions clash with romantic expectations and family obligations. Nick's relationship with the politically ambitious Julia Dallow unravels, while diplomat Peter Sherringham falls hopelessly in love with the charismatic Miriam. Set against English society and the theatrical world, this sprawling tale explores the price of artistic dedication and the conflicts between personal passion and conventional success.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Henry James
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Henry James" by Henry James is a comprehensive compilation of the literary works of one of the most significant American novelists and playwrights of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This collection serves as an index, cataloging James’s pivotal novels, short stories, essays, and letters, showcasing themes of identity, perception, and the complexities of human relationships. The original writings were produced during an era marked by nuanced psychological exploration, illustrating the transition from Victorian to modernist sensibilities. The collection features notable works such as "The Turn of the Screw", "The Portrait of a Lady", and "The Ambassadors", each delving into the intricacies of character and social dynamics. For instance, "The Portrait of a Lady" follows Isabel Archer, a young American woman navigating love and independence in Europe, while "The Turn of the Screw" presents a haunting tale of ambiguity and psychological tension. This index not only serves as a practical reference for readers but also encapsulates the breadth and depth of James’s exploration of the human condition, inviting both seasoned fans and newcomers to delve into his diverse body of work.
Hawthorne (English Men of Letters Series)
"Hawthorne" by Henry James is a book of literary criticism published in 1879. James examines his predecessor Nathaniel Hawthorne's novels, short stories, and life, exploring their shared interest in moral complexity, guilt, and human ambiguity. While praising Hawthorne's craftsmanship and psychological insight, James critiques his heavy symbolism and allegory. The book became controversial for James' famous commentary on what American life lacked for novelistic interest. Written without academic jargon, it remains accessible and insightful, offering James' surprisingly humorous observations on Hawthorne's occasional flights of fancy.
The Pupil
"The Pupil" by Henry James is a short story first published in 1891. It tells the emotional tale of a precocious boy trapped in a dishonest, wandering American family in Europe. His only trustworthy companion is Pemberton, his impoverished Oxford-educated tutor. As their bond deepens, the boy's frail heart and desperate circumstances converge toward a moment of crisis. When opportunity for escape finally arrives, hesitation proves devastating. James crafts what critics call a classical tragedy exploring loyalty, moral courage, and the cost of inaction.
In the Cage
"In the Cage" by Henry James is a novella published in 1898. It centers on an unnamed London telegraphist who works in a post office, deciphering clues about her clients' lives from their cryptic telegrams. Sensitive and intelligent, she becomes absorbed in the affairs of two lovers, Captain Everard and Lady Bradeen, using her remarkable memory to piece together their secrets. As she learns more about their world, she discovers truths that challenge her romantic imagination and force her to reconsider her own future.
The Altar of the Dead
"The Altar of the Dead" by Henry James is a short story published in 1895. The tale follows George Stransom, who creates a private ritual of lighting candles in a church to honor his deceased friends and preserve their memory from oblivion. When he befriends a woman who shares his devotion to the dead, he discovers she mourns the one person he refuses to forgive. Their spiritual connection fractures over this single name, forcing Stransom to confront whether love and forgiveness can transcend even the deepest wounds of the past.